The Ministry of Transport and Public Works (MTOP for its Spanish acronym) carried out a study which indicates that the solution to stop the growth of the sandbanks around the islet El Palmar, which are close to La Puntilla, Samborondón, is to dredge only their surroundings.

According to Ricardo del Hierro, 5th zonal secretary of the ministry, if they do a full dredging the sandbank would be formed again in a few years.

Feasibility and environmental impact studies report that sediments of sandy loam type, which will be dredge from the surroundings will be placed, one part over the island to achieve a better shape and terrain. The other part of the dredged material will be moved to certain sectors of the neighborhood “El Recreo”, in Duran, to fill low areas of popular settlements.

The Ministry carried out these studies because the problem affects aviation and shipping. In October 2010, the overpopulation of birds on the island El Palmar caused drawbacks in the landing of planes at the Jose J. Olmedo airport.

Del Hierro said that “studies will be sent to the National Water Secretariat (Senagua), which is the agency that has jurisdiction in these matters, and who will decide when to do the dredging.”